Rico Brouwer: Escape From the West! And Don’t Give Up Hope!
Aug 28, 2024
auto_awesome
Rico Brouwer, an activist from the Netherlands, shares his insights on media and censorship while advocating for change in a world he believes is spiraling out of control. He discusses the challenges faced by independent journalism and the rising authoritarianism in the West. Relocation to Paraguay is on his mind as he seeks safety from impending conflicts in Europe. Despite the dire situation, he remains hopeful, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community engagement, and the spread of awareness through alternative media.
Rico Brouwer highlights the challenges facing independent media, emphasizing censorship and financial difficulties impacting activism in Europe and beyond.
The conversation touches on the potential dangers of geopolitical tensions, particularly in Ukraine, and the global implications of such conflicts.
Despite the descent into tyranny, Brouwer underscores the importance of maintaining hope and fostering community resilience to combat adversity.
Deep dives
Support and Engagement Strategies
The episode emphasizes the various ways listeners can support the broadcast, highlighting the importance of becoming a paid subscriber on Substack. The host discusses benefits such as exclusive weekly Zoom chats, a news wrap-up specifically for paid subscribers, and opportunities to interact with previous guests during these sessions. Additionally, alternatives for donations are presented, including options like buying coffee or sending funds through platforms like Wise or DonorBox. This segment illustrates the significance of listener engagement as a sustainable model for independent media.
Introduction of New Guests and Collaboration
The conversation features Rico Brauer, a podcaster from the Netherlands, as a returning guest. Their long-standing friendship, which began in 2018, highlights mutual interests and collaboration in various projects, including live broadcasts and significant political events. The discussion reflects on their shared experiences, such as election live streams and interviews with notable figures, providing insight into their working relationship. The host's endorsement of Rico and his podcast, Podcars, suggests a strong network among independent commentators and journalists.
Political Activism and Personal Journeys
Rico shares his transformation from a well-earning IT specialist to an activist after significant world events, such as 9/11 and Edward Snowden's revelations. His appearance in political endeavors, including a campaign with the Pirate Party, showcases a commitment to addressing systemic issues at the governmental level. He reflects on the challenges faced within political movements, noting a transition away from established parties that have shifted ideologically in the modern political climate. This personal narrative emphasizes the evolving nature of activism as a response to global events.
Concerns About Free Speech and Media Integrity
Rico raises concerns regarding the persecution of independent journalists and content creators in today's political landscape. He reflects on incidents where individuals faced backlash for expressing dissenting views, drawing parallels with the experiences of high-profile journalists and activists. The discussion highlights the challenges of maintaining free speech amidst increasing scrutiny and the implications for journalism as a profession. This sentiment captures the broader issues surrounding censorship, media pressures, and public discourse in contemporary society.
International Political Landscapes and Future Conflicts
The hosts analyze the geopolitical situations in Ukraine and the broader global context, noting how tensions could escalate into war if not managed properly. They highlight the interconnectedness of international relations, where political actions in one region can have ripple effects around the world. Both Rico and the host express skepticism about the prevailing narratives and the motives behind government actions, emphasizing the need for critical analysis of these issues. Their conversation reflects a growing apprehension about potential global conflicts and their implications for civil liberties.
Personal and Societal Resilience
The discussion concludes on a philosophical note, emphasizing the importance of maintaining joy and a positive outlook amidst adversity. Both hosts advocate for the spirit of resistance and community connection as counterpoints to the challenges posed by government overreach and societal changes. Emphasizing actions such as supporting local economies and engaging positively with others, they encourage listeners to remain hopeful and proactive. This perspective reinforces the idea that individual attitudes can significantly influence collective resilience in uncertain times.
Rico Brouwer joins us again from the Netherlands to discuss his relentless activism and how he feels the world is headed in a mad direction. He comments on the alternative media space, particularly in the Netherlands, and the censorship, narcissism, and financial difficulty in the industry. Tyranny is descending upon the West, but he also sees hope because the news of this totalitarianism is spreading quickly thanks to the internet. He comments on the idea of strategic relocation and his venture to Paraguay. Europe and the EU is a jurisdiction you want to move out of. They will take us to war. He remains hopeful and focuses on changing the world for the better.
Watch on BitChute / Brighteon / Rokfin / Rumble / Substack
Geopolitics & Empire · Rico Brouwer: Escape From the West! And Don't Give Up Hope! #460
*Support Geopolitics & Empire!
Donate https://geopoliticsandempire.com/donations
Consult https://geopoliticsandempire.com/consultation
Become a Member https://geopoliticsandempire.substack.com
Become a Sponsor https://geopoliticsandempire.com/sponsors
**Visit Our Affiliates & Sponsors!
Above Phone https://abovephone.com/?above=geopolitics
easyDNS (use promo code GEOPOLITICS for 15% off!) https://easydns.com
Expat Money Summit 2024 (use promo code EMPIRE for $100 off the VIP ticket!) https://2024.expatmoneysummit.com/?ac=8cDxEbJw
LegalShield https://hhrvojemoric.wearelegalshield.com
Wise Wolf Gold https://www.wolfpack.gold/?ref=geopolitics
Websites
Bitcoin (Not Gold) https://seesharp.rocks
Potkaars https://potkaars.nl
Follow The Science https://followthescience.nl
Potkaars on X https://x.com/potkaars
Rico on X https://x.com/ricobrouwer
About Rico Brouwer & Potkaars
Potkaars is citizen journalism via podcast with a candle in a jar, a guitar, a webcam (for those who want an image) and integrally recorded conversations with guests and a positive story. They are made by Rico Brouwer from Almere. Usually in my studio at home, sometimes on location such as at a demonstration. Since the 2008 financial crisis, I've been trying to read and listen to podcasts a lot to find out and understand what's going on around me in the world you don't hear about on TV. The podcast has existed since December 20, 2018 with a broadcast every week about activism, (geo) politics and what is current. "Potkaars - talk to everyone" who does things, activists and specialists who provide interpretation. People who give me hope. Potkaars is the report of my search.
After my training as a Social Pedagogical Counselor I worked in ICT at ao. Tridion, ING, the Academic Computing Center Amsterdam and as a teacher at Global Knowledge.
The crisis in 2008 changed my view of the world and it brought me back to school. In 2014 I became an activist. The reason was when - after Edward Snowden - Bolivian President Evo Morales' plane was grounded in the EU on behalf of the United States because Morales joked that he might grant Snowden asylum and take him with him from Moscow.
``If the power in the Netherlands lies in The Hague, then perhaps the way to make things better is through politics? '' I would try and so I became a politician in the 2017 House of Representatives elections: candidate # 3 and campaign leader for the Pirate Party. After those elections, I continued as an activist with "Real Fairytales". In music these are the reverse of fake news: the difficult themes in fun songs.
In 2018 I became a journalist. Now I do interviews with specialists on all subjects from all over the world. What my guests share is a message of hope.
I am writing a book about and with whistleblowers and live with my wife, our two children and the dog Sachi - in the Verzetwijk of Almere.
*Podcast intro music is from the song "The Queens Jig" by "Musicke & Mirth" from their album "Music for Two Lyra Viols": http://musicke-mirth.de/en/recordings.html (available on iTunes or Amazon)
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode